Snow Babies: Bisque Figurines in Textured Snow Suits
Snow Babies are small bisque porcelain figurines depicting children in hooded, pebbly-textured snowsuits, originally produced in Germany from the early 1900s through the 1930s. The textured "snow" effect was achieved by rolling the unfired figurines in crushed porcelain or ground glass before firing. Legend connects their origin to Admiral Robert Peary's daughter Marie, born in Greenland in 1893 and nicknamed "Snow Baby" by the Inuit, though similar figures predate this event.
Identification & Marks
Early German Snow Babies were produced primarily by Hertwig & Company of Katzhütte, Thuringia, along with other German and Japanese manufacturers. German pieces tend to be finer in detail and quality than Japanese examples. Marks are uncommon on early pieces; when present, they appear as incised numbers or small paper labels. German pieces typically have crisper molding, finer snow texture, and more careful painting of faces. Japanese copies (1920s-1930s) are lighter in weight, have coarser snow texture, and less refined facial features. Modern reproductions by Department 56 (from 1987) are clearly marked.
Types & Forms
Single figures: Children sitting, standing, skiing, sledding, or riding animals. Action groups: Multiple babies engaged in activities together. Snow Baby on sled: Among the most popular and common forms. Musician Snow Babies: Playing instruments. Snow Babies with animals: Riding polar bears, penguins, or dogs. Snow Baby santas: Combined Santa and Snow Baby motifs. Cake decorations: Tiny, often wire-jointed Snow Babies made for birthday cakes. No-snow babies: Same forms without the textured coating, less common.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single German Snow Baby (1-2 inches) | $30-$100 |
| German Snow Baby action group | $75-$300 |
| Snow Baby on polar bear (German) | $100-$400 |
| Large German Snow Baby (3+ inches) | $100-$500 |
| Snow Baby with rare action/animal | $200-$800 |
| Japanese Snow Baby | $15-$60 |
| Cake-top miniature Snow Babies | $10-$40 |
| Department 56 modern pieces | $5-$30 |
Condition Factors
The pebbly snow texture is extremely vulnerable to chipping and wear. Examine pieces carefully for areas where the snow coating has been rubbed off, particularly on high points. Facial painting should be intact with clearly defined features. Check for repairs to arms, legs, and protruding elements. Small chips to the snow texture are acceptable in early pieces but should be reflected in price. Complete action groups with all original figures are worth significantly more than incomplete sets. Bases should be free of cracks.
Collecting Tips
German-made pieces from before 1930 are the most collectible and valuable. Learn to distinguish German from Japanese production by weight, texture quality, and facial painting detail. Unusual action poses and rare forms (musicians, large groups, riding unusual animals) command the strongest prices. Snow Babies remain an affordable collecting category with most pieces under $100, making it accessible for new collectors. Build a reference library with Mary Morrison's books on Snow Babies for identification help. Check estate sales and antique shows in the Midwest and Northeast for the best selection. Store carefully with tissue padding to protect the fragile snow texture.